We deeply mourn the passing of Mitchell Rosenthal, Ph.D., ABPP, who died on May 31, 2007 after a long and distinguished career in brain injury.  

Services
Services were held for Mitchell Rosenthal on June 3, 2007 at 1:00 p.m., at Menorah Chapels At Millburn, 2950 Vauxhall Rd, Vauxhall, NJ 07088. In lieu of flowers the family has requested donations to: The Henry H. Kessler Foundation, Inc., 300 Executive Drive, Suite 150, West Orange, NJ 07052, Telephone: (973) 324-8362.

Career History
Mitchell Rosenthal, Ph.D., ABPP was Chief Operating Officer for Kessler Medical Rehabilitation Research and Education Corporation and Professor of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey. He also served as Project Director of the TBI National Database Center, funded by the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research. He was elected as a Fellow of the American Psychological Association, and served as President of the Division of Rehabilitation Psychology in 1992. He is the former President of the American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine.

Dr. Rosenthal received numerous awards during his career, including the Gold Key Award from the American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine, the Robert L. Moody Award from the University of Texas, the first Sheldon Berrol, M.D. Clinical Service Award from the Brain Injury Association of America in 1998, the first Legacy Society Award of the Brain Injury Association of Michigan in 1999, and the Roger Barker Distinguished Career Award from the American Psychological Association, Division of Rehabilitation Psychology, in 1997. Dr. Rosenthal was the founding co-editor of the Journal of Head Trauma Rehabilitation and the senior editor of Rehabilitation of the Adult and Child with Traumatic Brain Injury, 3rd edition, published in March 1999. He published more than 80 peer-reviewed articles, books, and book chapters, and delivered more than 200 presentations at major national and international meetings, primarily related to brain injury rehabilitation.  

Mitch Rosenthal was part of the small group of founders of the National Head Injury Foundation, now known as the Brain Injury Association of America.  We will miss him terribly.

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Posted tributes:

I am very sad at the passing of Dr. Rosenthal. Several years ago he and I gave insight into TBI during a symposium we both attended. Following our speeches we discussed TBI in much detail but what I remember most; is how he cared about the survivors of TBI and their families. I will miss him.
Alan B. Carter

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I'm shocked and saddened to learn that Mitch will no longer be able to champion the cause of people with BIA and their families.  He was an amazing man and touched the lives not only of the people he helped via treatment, but also all the many clinicians he trained and supported throughout his illustrious career.  He spent a number of years doing BI research at Rehabilitation Institute of Michigan in Detroit and contributed so much to the knowledge base it's staggering.  He was vibrant and strong-his passing is a reminder of how precious and fragile our lives can be and that we should all embrace every minute of it-Mitch would want us to remember that!
Eileen Andreassi, MA, CTRS

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I will miss Mitch's encouragement, direction, warmth, sincerity, kindness, insight, thoughtfulness, and achievement. It was a pleasure and an honor to work with him. I know I have grown as a scientist, clinician and as a person in the time we spent together at KMRREC. I will miss him very much.
John DeLuca 

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It has been difficult to put my feelings regarding Mitch's death into words, as it very much seems unreal.  Mitch contributed so much to the brain injury community, rehabilitation psychology, and training so many of us who have become rehabilitation psychologists and neuropsychologists.  His death is a great blow to so many of these efforts and communities.  He pioneered the field of family work in TBI and I think that was one of his greatest contributions.  Personally, I am grateful to him for supporting me in many aspects of my training, and for providing an introduction to the brain injury community and the TBI Model Systems.  His hard work in many areas will be remembered for years to come.
Robin Hanks

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Mitch was among the true leaders in the field of TBI and helped advance both science and practice in ways to numerous to mention.
He was a great friend and valued colleague to all of us at CDC and we will miss him very much.
Jean Langlois

He leaves a legacy of true leadership, intellectual honesty and total commitment to others. For those of us who have had the benefit of knowing him, he leaves the deep and permanent memory of having seen his smile, having heard his genuine laugh and having known a good friend. It will all live on, as he would have hoped.
George Ferencik

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Mitch was there on the two proudest days of my life after mTBI.  In 2001, I was a speaker at the first meeting of the Congressional Brain Injury Task Force.  Mitch was too.  In preparing for the speech, I saw confirmation of my suspicion (in a CDC report) that people like me, neither dead nor hospitalized overnight, were not accounted for in brain injury statistics.

I live in northern New Jersey and, back then, got to many TBI events.  Whenever Mitch presented, I would raise my hand as soon as he gave a number for people with TBI.  "And 1.  No one counted me," I would say, when he recognized me.  After a while, I added a number – no one had counted my friend, Pat, either.  Eventually, I no longer needed to raise my hand.  If Mitch saw me prior to a presentation, he would just say, "And 1 – no one counted Marilyn," as soon as he cited numbers of folks with TBI. 

Happily, these days, people like me are getting noticed in TBI statisics. And I always intended to apologize to Mitch for disrupting his presentations.  He was so polished, and he was dressed so authoritatively, and the initials and titles following his name were truly intimidating.  But I just never got around to it.

The second proudest day in my life after mTBI was at the Second Federal Interagency Conference in 2006.  Mitch enabled me to go.  He gave me the honor of presenting a plaque to Congressman Pascrell.  Mitch sure counted to me.
Marilyn A. Gelman

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I am shocked and deeply saddened by the news of Mitch's death. Even after learning that he had developed an infection earlier last week, I could not even imagine this to be the result. I'm certain this was because Mitch was so full of life and eternally optimistic (at least when in the presence of others). I haven't known him as long as some others but he has deeply influenced my professional life over the last 10 years. Most of us can only struggle to emulate the traits that came so naturally to Mitch. I have often watched in awe as he stewarded committees and organizations from disadvantaged positions toward opportunity and reward. Our world will not be the same without him. Thank God for as many fond memories.
Joe Giacino

I am shocked and deeply saddened by the news of Mitch's death. Even after learning that he had developed an infection earlier last week, I could not even imagine this to be the result. I'm certain this was because Mitch was so full of life and eternally optimistic (at least when in the presence of others). I haven't known him as long as some others but he has deeply influenced my professional life over the last 10 years. Most of us can only struggle to emulate the traits that came so naturally to Mitch. I have often watched in awe as he stewarded committees and organizations from disadvantaged positions toward opportunity and reward. Our world will not be the same without him. Thank God for as many fond memories.
Joe Giacino

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Mitch's rehabilitation leadership and inspiration is immeasurable. It was always a pleasure to listen to Mitch—whether he was advocating, presenting research, or telling stories. In recent years, we shared personal cardiology experiences. Upon returning from a national conference on Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy held this past weekend in Morristown, NJ and reading the news about Mitch, I realized that as I drove Routes 24 and 78 early Sunday June 3rd, I went by the location of Mitch's services in Vauxhall, NJ. I am sure that countless activities in the future such as hearing of an advance in rehabilitation, listening to a story about treatment or recovery, or visiting Northern NJ (or the many other places Mitch worked and visited in his long career) will stimulate fond memories of all Mitch did.
Richard Melia, Ph.D.

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Acquainted with Dr. Rosenthal through CDC and HRSA TBI Programs, I found him to be affable, interested in the world in general, and responsive to people's ideas and views. With his obvious knowledge and skills, it is fortunate for professionals and patients that he  elected TBI Rehabilitation as his prime focus since he had the capaciity for many kinds of work. I'm sure his personality and teachings will be with you - his family - always.
Ruth Azeredo, Director, Oklahoma TBI Program

I have lost a dear friend and confidante. Mitch was a great human being who could be counted upon professionally and personally. We have lost a star in the universe, but his light will continue to shine far into the future. Godspeed Mitch!
Dan Keating, Ph.D.

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Mitch was truly one of a kind--an accomplished leader and visionary who never left others behind, but always gave generously of his time, encouragement, and support. He drew people to him with creativity and energy, tact, and that wonderful sense of humor. We will miss him so much. But his presence will live on in the many ways he influenced us for the better, and in his tireless work on behalf of people with brain injury and their families.
Tessa Hart, PhD

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Mitch, thank you for your help and guidance. I am particularly grateful for your sharing so many stories about the field of rehabilitation science and brain injury, which gracefully put into perspective whatever professional drama I was experiencing at the time. I thank your family for giving up time with you so that you could advise and mentor people like me. We grieve your loss.
Anna Barrett

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I am saddened by the passing of Dr. Mitch Rosenthal, not only for the loss of a collegial leader but for the loss of a great mind. Mitch saw the big picture while we were focusing on the details. He saw the need to get applied research in front of the people who needed to keep up to date and co founded JTHR. My interactions with him were brief but I was always awed by his humility, humor and approachability. His impact upon the field of rehabilitation is his true legacy BIAA, BIISIG & ACRM. I mourn the loss of a great man, leader and friend. Carry on Mitch, you have found favor in the Lord.
Michael Mozzoni

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I am very sad to learn about Mitch's death. He was an inspiration to all of us as a driving force behind so many efforts in TBI rehabilitation and research. I worked with him as a member of his planning committee for the Interagency Meeting and he was always energetic, focused, encouraging, and wise as he initiated and coordinated the meeting. On a more personal note, I would like to acknowledge his personal kindness - I brought my father to the APA meeting in Hawaii. My Dad wanted to watch my presentation as part of a panel - Mitch sat by my Dad, got acquainted with him, and made sure he felt comfortable throughout the two hours of the panel discussion. I'll never forget how Mitch extended himself to make my Dad feel welcomed and comfortable.
Karen Schwab

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Mitch was a leader in several areas of rehabilitation. He was also a good friend to so many of us. He will be very deeply missed.
Marcia Scherer

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Mitchell Rosenthal was not only a giant in the field of traumatic brain injury rehabilitation in the USA - he was a giant in the field worldwide. He served as a role model and mentor, offering great encouragement to many of us who work in this field. He was always quickly responsive to emails, offering advice and providing information. No matter what the issue, he always dealt with it in good humor and showed respect for others. I feel privileged to have known him. I would like to convey my heartfelt condolences to his family on their sudden loss.
Jennie Ponsford

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Ouch! --- We shall miss your sharp intellect, your generous smile, and your willingness to lead. Peace to you, Mitch, and to your family.
Ralph William Shields

What can anyone say to lessen the pain of this horrendous news? All of us are so shocked and truly saddened. I think of all of the contributions Mitch made in so many ways to the field and how is leadership and listening skills made a difference. Marty and I will never forget his endless commitment to building the NHIF, ACRM, BISIG, Model Systems network, JHTR, and his prolific body of publications. His extraordinary patience and tolerance for whatever we asked of him since we met in September of 1980 at a conference in Toronto came from an endless reservoir of caring. We made a treasured friend then and now we have lost his brilliant presence, his laugh, and his friendship. For some of us it is as if have lost a brother far too young and far too soon. Our shared memories with each other and with his family over time may help us heal.
Marilyn Spivack

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I credit Mitch for my getting started in traumatic brain injury rehabilitation. On numerous occasions later in my career he provided sage advice and encouragement that saw me through challenging issues. As the testaments shared over the last days in many venues have shown, Mitch was a mentor for many of us. Indeed, in the end, his greatest contributions to the field may not have been the numerous articles, chapters or talks he authored; instead, his greatest contribution may have been the encouragement he gave so many and the venues he created that allowed us to conduct our studies and present our work. I had the distinct privilege of introducing Mitch in 2002 when he was selected by APA's Division 22 to give the Leonard Diller Lecture. The introduction concluded with this observation:

"Do any of you recall the children's book series, We Were There at Appomattox, We Were There at the Signing of the Declaration of Independence, We Were There at Little Big Horn and so on. A young boy and girl would describe first hand accounts of historical events, as seen through their eyes. Well, I would like to encourage you Mitch to consider an I Was There series about the history of rehabilitation over the past 25 years.

Mitch was present, and usually in a leadership role, for the following "historical" events in our field:

* the founding of the National Head Injury Foundation, now the BIAA
* the establishment of the Williamsburg Conference on TBI
* the creation of the Journal of Head Trauma Rehabilitation
* the development of the TBI Model Systems
* the establishment of the Diplomate status in Rehabilitation Psychology
* the creation of the mid-Winter Conference held by Division 22 and ABRP

I am stretched to imagine a more productive career—he is the Cal Ripken of our field."

I am not sure we know how much he will be missed, as we don't know what he was about to do.
John Corrigan

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It is a sad day in the brain injury community. Dr. Rosenthal’s contributions will continue to have a profound impact on brain injury rehabilitation. Deepest sympathies to his family.
Pamela Law, Ph.D.

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With the passing of Mitch Rosenthal, we have lost a very special part of the brain injury community. I've known Mitch Rosenthal since we were both neophytes in a field which was itself in its infancy, and rejoiced that he chose to live and work in New Jersey. I will remember him as a thoughtful, caring man, whose commitment to the recovery of persons who had sustained brain injury was a beacon to many of us who work in this field. Although we were elated and honored as he participated on the BIANJ Board, his presence was felt even more strongly behind the scenes, as he promoted research on both the state and national levels. As both a colleague and a good friend, his sensitivity, humor and support will be greatly missed. Although his light is dimmed, it will continue to burn in the hearts and minds of all who knew him.
Irene Parisi, Ph.D., MPH

Mitch was always larger than life. I will miss him. 
Tom Strax

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It was an honor to serve as Dr. Rosenthal's Executive Assistant. During the years I observed a tireless dedicated individual who served the field of traumatic brain injury rehabilitation to his fullest potential.  Mitchell Rosenthal will be greatly missed by his colleagues, associates and the many people who have directly benefited from his books, journal articles and guidance.
Katherine Clawson

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The précis of Mitch's accomplishments conveys a sense of how important his contributions have been to medical rehabilitation and to the lives of people with brain injury. What is not captured, however, is the vitality and abundant personal warmth that made working with Mitch such a delight.  His engagement in the work he cared about was contagious.  We are diminished by his absence, but enriched by his memory.
Marcus Fuhrer

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Mitch was committed to TBI rehabilitation and research. He tirelessly and gracefully made impacts in every aspect of our field. He respected, enjoyed and appreciated all perspectives on a topic or issue. He willingly made major contributions to the scientific community. Mitch balanced multiple competing priorities with one goal: To help guide and shape the field that we call TBI rehabilitation and research. I am proud to have known Mitch. I know that I honor his memory each time I agree to contribute a service to our scientific community.
Theresa Pape

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Mitch leaves a profound legacy of dedication and commitment to increasing awareness and understanding of brain injury. He has touched the lives of so many and will be missed by family, friends, colleagues and members of the brain injury community. Truly an irreplaceable individual!
Lorraine M. Wargo, R.N.

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It is with great sadness that I acknowledge the death of Dr. Mitchell Rosenthal. Mitch was a long-time NIDRR grantee. His dedication to rehabilitation psychology, traumatic brain injury (TBI), and improved research methods were foundational to NIDRR’s research program and mission of improving the lives of individuals with disabilities. On a personal note, Mitch always went the extra mile to support the agenda of the ACRM, Division 22, the TBI model systems program, and, most recently KMRREC. I personally got to know Mitch about 6 years ago when we began working together to develop and sponsor the March 2006 2nd Federal Interagency Conference on TBI. I have always found Mitch to be smart as a whip, thoughtful, insightful, and a real human being. We at NIDRR respected Mitch, we admired him, and we will feel his loss in the years to come. On behalf of NIDRR, I send condolences to his wife Peggy and the family, friends, and colleagues.
Steven James Tingus, M.S., C.Phil

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Although the amount of time I spent with Mitch Rosenthal was small, it was memorable, not only for Mitch's drive and creativity, both of which were crucial in creating the Second Interagency Meeting on Traumatic Brain Injury, but also for his wit and his kindness. Pulling off an event as multifaceted as last year's Interagency Meeting would tax anyone's patience and ingenuity, but Mitch kept us all on track, minimized the turf wars, and in the end, gave us all a wonderful meeting that taught us and inspired us, much as Mitch himself has always done. I will miss him; more importantly, everyone who shares his commitment to having those with brain injury have the best lives possible, will miss him.
Janie Martin Heppel

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For me Mitch was a great supervisor and mentor. Reasonable in his demands relative to the goals to be achieved (and there were therefore many long days and worked weekends, but for good ends). Cared about the people who worked for him and supported them. Was willing to listen to ideas, give an honest appraisal, and collaborate in promoting ideas with merit. Knew how to get things done, so projects moved as smoothly as possible toward success. I couldn’t have asked for more.
Ken Wood, PhD

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Mitch will always be remembered for his compassion and his tireless research for individuals with brain injury and their families. We will be forever inspired by his strength and will gain wisdom from his teachings to continue his life long works. May you rest in peace and know our thoughts and prayers are with your family.
Caroline Feller

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Mitch's mortal departure will not reduce the inspiration that his spirit and drive have so generously empowered among so many.
Harvey E. Jacobs, Ph.D.

ACRM has lost a dear friend, loyal supporter, a scholar, past president, and an individual who has left a legacy in rehabilitation research, especially in brain injury rehabilitation. I personally got to know Mitch about 30 years ago when we worked together at Tufts-New England Medical Center in Boston. I have always found Mitch to be astute, thoughtful, insightful, a superb editor, and a person with great organizational capacities that served ACRM so well during his presidency and since. Mitch carried a full portfolio of research, editorial, and organizational activities. He will be sorely missed by family, friends, and colleagues.
Gerben DeJong, PhD

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Mitch Rosenthal was a wonderful colleague and mentor to all of us. Our community has suffered a great loss. Personally, aside from his awesome professional achievements, I won’t ever forget how sharp and funny he was, on the stump and in person. 
Tom Felicetti

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Through his insightful knowledge and counsel when serving on the Brain Injury Association of New Jersey Board of Trustees, we can all credit Mitch with sparking the drive towards the heightened professionalism and efficiency with which the BIANJ Board functions today. His was a lasting influence on BIANJ as well as me personally. Mitch, you will be greatly missed as you and your loved ones remain in our prayers.
John W. Indyk

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Having known Mitch for over twenty years it will be very hard to get used to the idea of not seeing him at ACRM meetings and functions. He always had such a steady presence. The field will miss him as I will personally.
David K. Krych, MS-CCC-SLP

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It is a sad day in the brain injury community when we lose an exceptional researcher. Mitch made numerous contributions to our field and he will be missed.
Cheryl Burda

Mitch Rosenthal stood among the quiet giants of the brain injury world when my adventure first introduced him to me. He was one of those special few professionals who sincerely asked questions about living with brain injury--always curious to know more.  His highly professional, caring soul will surely remain among us as he gently pushes us forward and on our journeys.
Suzanne Doswell

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Mitch's passing represents a phenomenal loss to the field.  His had an easy, pleasant and professional manner.  He was earnest and dependable, bright and encouraging.  How very sad for us all.
Mark J. Ashley, Sc.D., CCC-SLP, CCM

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This is terrible news. Mitch played a very important role in Michigan for many years.
Joe Richert

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Dr. Rosenthal was a tireless champion for people with brain injury and their families.  I had the honor to serve with Mitch on a number of National committees over the past decade and can attest to his brilliance, passion for brain injury and his great sense of humor.  I will miss him very much and the field of brain injury has lost a dear friend.
Geoffrey Lauer

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That is very sad news.  I have had several opportunities to speak with him and hear him speak and was always very impressed with him as a professional and as a person.  He was one of the good ones and he will be missed.
Ed Boll

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